John Leslie Freer, Jr.

John Leslie Freer, Jr., 83, of Buchtel, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, September4, 2021, at The Laurels of Athens.  John was born May 15, 1938, in Nelsonville, Ohio, the son of the late John L. Freer, Sr. and Edna M. Warner Freer.

Like many of his family members, carpentry was his trade, Freer Mill, located in Nelsonville in 1866.  John was known to be Shop Foreman 3 in his high school years.  He worked along side his father, John Freer, Sr. and together they built several houses in the area.  Eventually he took over the business.

In his later years, he became interested in wood scrolling and furniture making.  He was a very talented woodworker and crafted many beautiful pieces.

He leaves behind his loving companion of 43 years, Betty McCray; daughter, Melissa (Dale) Freer Wilkening; granddaughter, Cathy Prine; grandsons, Dustin Wilkening and Bobby Prine; great granddaughter, Caydence Wilkening; Betty’s daughters, Kathy McCray Davis and Loretta McCray Kyle; Betty’s granddaughters, Misty (JD) Davis Freer, Jessica Christman, Raven Kyle, and their families; and lifetime friend, John Hartley.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Freer Prine; grandson, Jesse Wilkening; grandfather, Fredrick A. Freer; grandmother, Mary Minnie Freer; sisters, Claire Mertz and Ann Hartman; and co-worker and good friend, Bill Bailey.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, September 20, 2021, in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville.  Arrangements by Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St., Nelsonville.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com